1898-11-22 Tom Sharkey w disq 9 (20) James J. Corbett, Lenox AC, Manhattan, NYC, New York, USA. Referee: John Kelly. Effectively the first defence of Corbett’s title claim, it all went wrong for the ex-champion when he was dropped heavily by Sharkey (176) in the second round before twisting an ankle in the third. Although Corbett (182) came back with his better boxing, Sharkey’s strength was gaining him the upper hand by the seventh and the contest was turning into a brawl. With punches from both men going below the belt in the ninth, Corbett’s seconds rushed into the ring, thus getting their man disqualified.

The sailor would next take on Charles Kid McCoy, with both men’s poorly regarded versions of the title being at stake.